Stock FMIC R&R?

[ianc]

Hi Folks,

Planning on a coolant flush this weekend and while I'm in there I thought I'd remove the (stock) FMIC to straighten & blow out the fins & slosh some solvent around inside to clean up any oil in there.

I've found a lot of articles here on installing aftermarket FMIC's and how to remove the stock one, but how about reinstalling the stock one? The Bentley I bought for my wife's 3 series mentions using a special BMW tool to squeeze the connectors back together with the use of antisieze paste? Aren't the connectors just quick-disconnects that are easy to reinstall?

Anything to know about reinstalling it?

Thanks for any insight,

ianc

[Dackelone]

Be careful... those quick connect hoses can be a bitch. I did find this tip for you on coolant hoses... it might be helpful Ian.

Sure you don't want to pickup a new FMIC and throw it up in there?

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=40

[kprocivic]

those quick connectors are the worst idea ever.

save yourself the frustration and upgrade it while you have it off. One of the best upgrades you can do.

[ianc]

Hi guys,

Actually I think an upgraded FMIC is in the cards at some point in the not too distant future, but for now it's just a little maintenance to go with the coolant flush. I actually didn't have a great deal of difficulty with the quick disconnect when I did the OFHG, so I'm hoping these (not having coolant in them) won't be that bad either. Just wondered what the bit in the Bentley about the special tool was about, and whether I was going to run into any spectacular difficulties during the reinstall?

Thanks again,

ianc

[FactorX81]

I just did this last weekend and had no issues. Just make sure they are fully seated before you pushing in the locking clip. My IC had a bit of oil residue and oil was leaking from those connections so I cleaned it all up while I had it out.

[ianc]

Thanks Factorx, that's what I wanted to hear...

ianc

[ianc]

Thanks again for the info guys. Did this over the weekend and although I had a bit of trouble during reinstall (damn quick disconnect), it went fine. Amazing how much crud and dead leaves and bugs etc. were in there...

ianc

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by ianc

Thanks again for the info guys. Did this over the weekend and although I had a bit of trouble during reinstall (damn quick disconnect), it went fine. Amazing how much crud and dead leaves and bugs etc. were in there...

ianc

Oh yea, plenty of stuff gets caked up in that area. With regards to aftermarket FMIC: They make ones that retain stock connectors if you prefer or you can go to a full replacement.

By the way, did you find any oil in your FMIC? It's usually common for vehicles with aftermarket oil catch cans.

[ianc]

Thanks Jeff,

I think I would prefer one with stock connectors actually, although I've heard they're a restriction. As a DD that doesn't get tracked I could probably live with that. Any brand name recommendations for FMIC's with stock connectors?

I did find a little oil, but not much at all. I've only been running an OCC for about the last 5K out of 60...

ianc

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by ianc

Thanks Jeff,

I think I would prefer one with stock connectors actually, although I've heard they're a restriction. As a DD that doesn't get tracked I could probably live with that. Any brand name recommendations for FMIC's with stock connectors?

I did find a little oil, but not much at all. I've only been running an OCC for about the last 5K out of 60...

ianc

Wagner would be one of the best FMIC for stock connections.

Mishimoto is another option but not as good as a performer compared to Wagner.

Good to hear on the oil, every car is different when it comes to blow by.